Full Description
In this ode to the earth and all its living creatures, French Djiboutian poet, novelist, and essayist Abdourahman A. Waberi sounds the alarm about our imperiled planet, where "the Sahel rises in you, in me / the Red Sea boils in you, in me / Nunvut is melting in you, in me." This translation by Nancy Naomi Carlson preserves the rich musicality of the original French, as well as its frequent use of wordplay and often unusual word choice.
Waberi, a nomad at heart, takes us on a whirlwind tour across North America, Africa, and Europe, daring us to love the earth "beyond all rational thought" and to "turn into earth, both literally and figuratively," as we "turn from vanity, fears, and other pointless rustling." These lyrical, playful, and moving poems urge us to look for the truth and beauty hidden in our daily lives, singing of Waberi's own enduring love for our endangered planet and also, more forcefully, exhorting us to join him in the collective fight to save our planet from destruction.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Translator's Note
Dare to Turn into Earth
One Saturday in Virginia
Open Air
Wonder Train
Bas-relief-Three Images in One
A Touch of Salt on My Confession
In Sicily
Sahel! Sa(y) Hel(lo)
In Pennsylvania
Interlude
A Short Ballad to Lull the Horizon
Here I Am
Here Comes Summer
Kneading Love!
Every Being Is Unique
My Silence Told Me
It Won't Be Long
Soliloquy
Hairless Stumps
Taking Refuge
AfrokhoÏ sapiens: A pictoem in five scenes
Genesis
Fiat Lux
Transvaal
Thirst
Trance
After All
